Originally Posted by
taylorgeo
Is cross-chaining really a bad thing? If so, is it worse on a 3x versus a 2x drivetrain?
Maybe, and no.
You'll know if cross-chaining is a problem when it results in noise even on a well-adjusted bike. Even then, it's not a huge problem...Your bike will not explode.
With more chainrings (2 vs 1, 3 vs 2) you can choose the chainring that results in a straighter chainline. e.g., if you are on the upper end of the cassette, choose a smaller chainring for a straighter chainline.